I really didn't take me 18 months to read this book. I started it back in 2013, got distracted and you know how that goes. I found it again recently and picked it for my mystery group.

This first in series from Scandinavian author Jo Nesbo was not the first of the Harry Hole novels translated and released in the US but it was definitely worth the wait.

Trying to describe it is kind of fun, It's about a Norwegian police inspector. And it's set in Australia. And he falls for a Swedish barmaid. Oh, yeah, and he investigates a crime that he's not really supposed to investigate that becomes a series of crimes he's not supposed to investigate with an Aboriginal homicide detective who is just supposed to keep him occupied and out of the way. Say whut? Maybe this is part of the reason it wasn't translated into English sooner than it was.

It sounds convoluted but it is really good! After Stieg Larsson, I was a little nervous that this series would be as dark and violent. What a pleasant surprise. Nesbo's writing is crisp and fresh. Harry is flawed but dealing with those flaws as best he can. He is not overloaded with testosterone. He can be a little bashful and unsure of himself without needing to prove anything. He has a sense of humor. He is real. And I like him.

Awful things happen in the book (and I see a similarity or two between things that happen in this book and the second Lethal Weapon film). It's a murder mystery so it stands to reason that someone has to die. But without giving anything away, I will say that the story is resolved with bite. BIG bite.

This is the first Harry Hole book, and I'd never read it. Well and intricately plotted, good characterizations—really liked it. It gave me insight into Harry that I didn't have, because I hadn't read #1. ( )

This is the first Harry Hole book, and I'd never read it. Well and intricately plotted, good characterizations—really liked it. It gave me insight into Harry that I didn't have, because I hadn't read #1. ( )

I'dSay that this is a weak three star for me. I didn't like Harry. The women were cardboard cut outs. And Sydney didn't come alive. But I kept reading so I must have liked it or else I kept thinking it would be as good as Phantom of I kept at it. ( )

I enjoyed my first Jo Nesbo murder mystery and will definitely read more. This is the first title in the Harry Hole series and I was I pressed. The story takes place in Sydney where Hole has been sent to find out about a fellow Norwegian who has been murdered. Sydney and its sights play a large role as do a few interesting aboriginal characters. There is a serial killer on the loose and Harry helps solve the crime. ( )

Wikipedia in English

Detective Harry Hole is meant to keep out of trouble. A young Norwegian girl taking a gap year in Sydney has been murdered, and Harry has been sent to Australia to assist in any way he can.

He's not supposed to get too involved.

When the team unearths a string of unsolved murders and disappearances, nothing will stop Harry from finding out the truth. The hunt for a serial killer is on, but the murderer will talk only to Harry.

He might just be the next victim.

Appearing in English for the first time, The Bat is the legendary first novel from the worldwide phenomenon Jo Nesbo.

Haiku summary

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▾Library descriptions

Follows Harry Hole's efforts to solve the murder of a television celebrity whose demise is linked to a string of serial killings.